Cities have always been our muse and have nurtured relationships with their inhabitants. These relationships have often been celebrated, abhorred, questioned or romanticized in writings of many. They have been described as lovers embracing all in a tight grip. They have been called mothers by some – for recreating personalities and perceptions.. Some have just wondered about their glorious histories; others remain amazed at their ability to assimilate all kinds of people and cultures... Some write about the pace, others about the race, still others extol the special place that the city has made in their hearts. The physical to metaphysical realities of cities have been captured through oral legends, tales, prose, dohas, poetry, shayari, ghazals, rekhti and more.From Ghalib to Italio Calvino; Charles Dickens to Khushwant Singh, there is a plethora of authors and poets who have personified the city and written about it in poetry or prose...fiction and nonfiction. 

Mohammad Ibrahim Zauq, prominent poet of the 19th century, once quoted: “Humne maana ki dakkan mein hai bahut qadre sukhan; Kaun jaaye Zauq par Dilli ki galiyan chhod kar ” (We hear that poetry is greatly valued in Deccan these days but, Zauq, who could bear to leave behind the alleyways of Delhi)

Sehreeti  and Centre for Contemporary Urbanism (CCU) , join hands to host  ‘Sheher-e-Mehfil’ and call you in the alleyways of Hauz Khas Village, at AntiSocial on 20th August, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm for an open house celebration of our sensory perception of cities through  reading, recitation, and rendition of poetry, prose, and other words (of self or other authors) by people who feel deeply for cities.

Sheher-e-Mehfil is envisioned as a microcosm of our cities and writings in any form and in any language are welcome! Mahaul in the Mehfil will be embellished with the spirit of fellow flâneur and some cookies on the house!

Do send us your confirmation of participation in the event at: sehreeti at gmail.com, [email protected]

Kanak Tiwari – Centre for Contemporary Urbanism

Nidhi Batra – Sehreeti 

More information at: https://www.facebook.com/events/1758456807746216/